Te Aro railway station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Te Aro
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| New Zealand Government Railways (NZGR) | |
Te Aro railway station circa 1904
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| Location | corner Wakefield and Tory Streets |
| Coordinates | 41°17′30.28″S 174°46′54.47″E / 41.2917444°S 174.7817972°E |
| Owned by | Railways Department |
| Line(s) | Te Aro Extension |
| Platforms | Side |
| Tracks | Main line (2) |
| History | |
| Opened | 27 March 1893 |
| Closed | 23 April 1917 |
Te Aro railway station was a train station in Wellington, New Zealand. It was located near what is now the corner of Wakefield and Tory Streets. Opened in 1893, it was one of only three train stations in the city at that time. The other two were Wellington railway station (later called Lambton) and Thorndon railway station. Te Aro station was the end point for a short train line known as the Te Aro Extension. This line was connected to the main Hutt Valley Line and Wairarapa Line. The station closed in 1917, and its tracks were removed soon after.
What Was Te Aro Station Used For?
The Te Aro train line was built to help people travel through the center of Wellington. It extended the passenger train services from the main Lambton station. Besides carrying people, the station was very important for bringing fresh food into the city.
It handled most of the city's fruits and vegetables. These goods came to Te Aro and were then taken to the Courtenay Place markets. The station also received the city's milk supply. This milk was then sent out for distribution to homes and businesses.
Why Did Te Aro Station Close?
The number of people using Te Aro station started to drop. This happened after Wellington's electric tram system began operating in 1904. Trams offered an easier way for people to get around the city.
In 1913, the head of the Railways Department said the station was not making enough money. He believed it was too expensive to keep it open, even just for goods. So, the train line and station officially closed in 1917.
After the station closed, its buildings found a new use. In 1923, they became part of the Te Aro fruit and vegetable market. They were used by the Market Gardeners Co-operative Limited until 1958.
Where Was Te Aro Station Located?
The Te Aro railway station was located where the Museum Hotel and Monument Apartments now stand. In 2007, a building called The Warehouse was being taken down on Tory Street. During this demolition, parts of the old train tracks and platform from the station were found.
These remains, including parts of two platforms and some track equipment, were removed in 2007.
